Queen Elizabeth Hall

Queen Elizabeth Hall reopened in April 2018 following almost three years of renovations with world class, environmentally-improved new facilities for audiences and artists. The building is also home to Purcell Room—a smaller, more intimate space.

The design led by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios), focused on refurbishing the auditoria, foyer and artists’ back of house facilities. Improved access, ventilation and lighting systems, and new production infrastructure enhance the experience for audience and performers alike. New leather upholstery revitalises the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room’s distinctive and comfortable seating.

The building was originally opened in March 1967 by Her Majesty the Queen and this historic restoration has been made possible through generous support from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and through Southbank Centre friends, trusts and foundations supporting the Let The Light In campaign.

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Opening times

10am – 11pm every day except Christmas Day

Members get priority

To find out first about what's coming up and for your best chance to secure tickets to events, join now as a Member

We welcome wheelchair users and guide companion dogs. Wheelchairs are available for visitors by visiting the Royal Festival Hall Artists' Entrance when you arrive (subject to availability).

Talk to a member of staff at the auditorium entrance if you have a disability that means you can’t queue, or you need extra time to take your seat. They can arrange priority entry for you as soon as the doors open.

Cloakroom

Situated downstairs from the main foyer, our cloakroom opens approximately 60 minutes before the start of any Queen Elizabeth Hall show, and closes around 15 minutes after the performance ends. It is also open on selected festival days. It’s at the bottom of the stairs next to the Ticket Desk.

Toilets

An accessible toilet and gender neutral inclusive toilets are located in the foyer.

A Changing Places Toilet is located on Level 1 Royal Festival Hall next to the JCB Glass Lift, for the exclusive use of disabled people who need personal assistance to use the toilet.

The facility includes a height-adjustable bench, tracking hoist system, a centrally-placed toilet, a height-adjustable basin and a shower. The key for this room is available from the Welcome Hub, Level 2 Royal Festival Hall. The facility is open daily 10am – 11pm.

Parking

Blue Badge holders and those with access requirements can be dropped off on the Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road off Belvedere Road (the road between Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery).

The Hayward car park is now closed to cars. Alternative parking is available nearby at the National Theatre car park (330 metres) and APCOA Cornwall Road Car Park (490 metres), subject to charges. Alternative parking for Blue Badge holders visiting Southbank Centre can be found at the National Theatre car park (330 metres). Just take your badge and car park ticket to Royal Festival Hall Ticket Office on Level 2, for validation before you leave.

Please note: there is no step-free access from the National Theatre car park when the building is closed on Sunday.

Alternative parking for Blue Badge holders visiting Southbank Centre can also be found at the South Bank car park – APCOA Cornwall Road Car Park. Just take your badge and car park ticket to the parking attendant office at the entrance to the car park for validation before you leave.

A drop-off point at Royal Festival Hall (30 metres) has been created for visitors who are unable to walk from alternative car parks.

While you're here

We politely ask you to follow our house rules and any requests from our Visitor Experience team. Please help us to keep our foyers looking welcoming and presentable to everyone.

Our cafe/bar seating is for visitors who are purchasing food and beverages from the venue. No food and beverages bought outside may be consumed in this area.

Thank you for respecting that the cafe is a gadget and laptop free area. You are welcome to use your laptop, tablet, e-reader or other equivalent device in other areas from 10am – 5pm.

We cannot guarantee that the space is always available for non-socialising activity and ask that you pack up all laptops, tablets and e-readers by 5pm. After this, our foyer is dedicated to fun and relaxation, especially in the hours leading up to evening concerts.